Verse, the fashion boutique at 18 Park Lane (off Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Road), turned one in style as they celebrated with a three-day event — The Bridal Story in association with t2 from October 27 to 29. Featuring interactive workshops by Dolly Jain (on sari draping), make-up artist Aniruddha Chakladar and stylist Sandy, the event focused on getting Calcuttans ready for the winter wedding season. Day One had Dolly demonstrating innovative sari drapes, while the second day had Aniruddha and Sandy showing three different looks for the engagement, Mehndi and the wedding day. Day Three ended with a fashion show where models strutted in the boutique’s latest wedding line.  

DRAPE DRAMA

DRAPING POINTERS BY DOLLY JAIN

Do

1) Iron your sari properly and don’t fold it.
2) To avoid underarm wet patches, cut out a sanitary napkin and stick it on the inside of your blouse so that it can absorb the sweat.
3) Wear your heels before wearing your sari to be able to judge how high you should drape it.    

Don’t

1) Wear elasticated petticoats as they can’t support heavy saris. Stick to petticoats with cotton drawstring.
 2) Apply a pin without placing a pearl, button or a bindi in the ring area of the pin, otherwise your sari may tear. Alternatively, you could use a double-lock pin.
3) Wear a satin petticoat without wearing a mul petticoat under it. The static in the satin petticoat will make it stick to your legs.

“The workshop was fantastic. I want to spread the art of wearing saris in India in different ways so that they don’t stick to the same old drapes,” said Dolly Jain.

WINNING TIP

Pin your sari on your shoulders and put another pin at least two inches below that to hold the pleats in place.

DOLLING UP

MAKE-UP TIPS FROM ANIRUDDHA CHAKLADAR

Do

1) Research looks that will suit you.
2) Prepare yourself well and coordinate your attire; your clothes, jewellery and make-up should all be in sync.
3) Dress up for yourself and nobody else. A bridal look is nothing but what you do for yourself.

Don’t

1) Follow trends. Don’t pick your look according to what everyone is wearing.
2) Buy something because it looks nice on someone else. It might not look the same on you.
3) Buy something that is overwhelming. You do not want the outfit to overpower you.

WINNING TIP

Be relaxed and happy on your wedding day. Feeling positive about yourself will reflect on how you look.

Aniruddha Chakladar lauded the eagerness of the audience. “The workshop was amazing and very interactive. The people had very interesting questions,” he told t2.

STYLE IT RIGHT

SANDY’S STYLING RULES

Do

1) Know your body and skin type and the colours that suit you.
2) Ensure that your friends and family who will surround you on your wedding day stick to a colour palette that complements your look.

Don’t

1) Overdo your look. Don’t keep on adding unnecessary things.
2) Place pleats where it’s not required.

WINNING TIP

Stick to traditional colours on your wedding day and feel free to experiment on the other days.

“The crowd was very enthusiastic and open to new ideas,” said Sandy. 

Text: Urvashi Bhattacharya
Pictures: Arnab Mondal, Shuvo Roychaudhury and B. Halder